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How to tell if you are overvalued

September 18th, 2025 Posted in Property Investment
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How to tell if you are overvalued- couple shaking hands with realtor image

Everyone wants the most money they can get for the sale of their house. Everyone wants to buy a house at the cheapest possible price and get the most value from it. This is an endless tug of war that pretty much goes back to the very first time a trade was made. However, it’s also true that even in property buying, even in a turbulent market, there is still some objective measure of how much your home is worth (even if it shifts occasionally).

To start with, the ultimate market is how much someone is willing to pay for it. If your $300,000 property gets a legitimate cash offer of $1,000,000, good for you! Although we’d suggest you don’t take that in cash for convenience’s sake. However, such fantasies are rarely going to be achievable. You can hold out for a long time in pursuit of that perfect buyer of course, but sometimes, after a long period of non-interest and worse offers, you have to consider if reducing your asking price is worthwhile.

It might not be that you’ve overvalued your house due to entitlement or comically misreading the market. You may have been very sensible and genuinely just want a return on investment. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always gain the kind of asking price you want. In this post, we’ll discuss how to know if you’ve overvalued your on-the-market property, and if so, what to do about that:

Consider Interest

Perhaps the most objective indicator of a home’s value is the amount of interest it gets, so you might want to look at your property’s online listing and see how many people have viewed it. Your estate agent should also provide you with data on this. If you’re getting a lot of clicks but few viewings, it could suggest that the photos are attracting people, but the price is scaring them off.

Alternatively, if you’re getting a good amount of viewings, but no one is making an offer, you may have set your price too high for the current market. A lack of viewings after a couple of weeks on the market is a very clear signal that the price might need to be reconsidered.

Compare To Like Value & Proximal Homes

A useful practice to try is to go and see what other homes in your area are selling for. You could try to put your own emotional connection aside and look at what other properties with a similar number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and garden size are being sold for. You can see how long they’ve been on the market with little effort. 

Looking at homes that have recently sold is also a great idea, as that can give you a clear sense of what the market is willing to pay right now. Your estate agent will do this for you, but it’s always a good idea to stay aware of the market yourself as you may have more of a feel for the kind of property in the kind of area you live in.

Speak To Other Agencies

You could have a long and good relationship with a single estate agency. They can be a great help, and a relationship like that can be invaluable. However, it can also be a good idea to get a second opinion. A different agency may have a new perspective on your home’s value; perhaps they have a different client base that is more suitable for your property. For instance, maybe your current agent has you as the only listed property and their general market isn’t really focused on that – you may just need someone who has the connections and suggestions to assist.

For example, a new agent might see a feature that your current agent gnored or has a different pricing strategy that might be more successful in the current market. Getting a few valuations from different agencies can give you a better overall idea of your home’s value no matter what you choose to do.

Have A Full Assessment Made

Now and again, the initial valuation you get from an estate agent is more of an estimate. It is an informed opinion, but it might not be based on a full and detailed inspection. If you want a truly objective opinion, you could have a full assessment made of your property. 

Professional surveyors will look at the condition of your home, its structural integrity, and any potential issues that could affect the sale price that an agent might not have considered. This can provide a much clearer picture of your home’s actual value and might help you figure out the hidden factors that are influencing a lack of interest, helping you to make an actually informed decision on the asking price.

Consider Profit Motivations

It’s completely normal to want to make a profit on your property, especially if you’ve invested a good amount time and money in renovations. However, sometimes that desire for a return can blur your judgment on what the market will actually pay. The amount of money you have spent on a new kitchen or bathroom doesn’t always translate directly into a higher sale price and certainly not always at a 1:1 ratio. You may get even more than you put in for a new kitchen, and that does happen (even quite a lot), but it’s not necessarily going to be the case with your home 100% of the time.

A buyer will also have their own ideas about how to use the space and may want to renovate it themselves. As such, you might be better off looking at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer, and not just the money you’ve spent on it.

With this advice, we hope you can tell if you’ve overpriced your house, and perhaps make adjustments if you think they’re necessary.

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4 Ways To Improve Your Finances As You Age

September 18th, 2025 Posted in Money Tips
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 You may have a lot on your mind as you get older. However, one important matter you shouldn’t overlook or ignore is your finances and money situation. 

4 ways to improve your finances as you get older- hand and a laptop image

You want to ensure you are set up for a bright future and can eventually secure financial freedom. It comes down to your priorities and habits, and what changes you’re willing to make to your approach. Take the time to review four ways to improve your finances as you age so you can succeed in this area of your life. 

  1. Create A Budget & Stick to It

One way to improve your finances as you age is to create a budget you can stick to. You want to make sure it’s realistic and keeps your spending under control. A budget will ensure that you know what money you have going out and coming in, and that you can pay your bills on time. You can always make modifications to it as your situation changes over time. Identify ways to cut costs and use a budget planner or tracker to monitor it closely.

Plan for the long term

As you age, you should also make sure you’re planning ahead and for the long term. For example, there may be certain expenses you will need to cover as you get older, such as healthcare costs. In addition, now is a good time to update your estate plan and look into using will writing services to protect your loved ones and assets. It needs to be legally valid, and you want it to be tailored toward your needs and situation. Having an updated will in place will help avoid any confusion, delays, and disputes when you are gone. 

  1. Pay Down High-Interest Debt

Another way to improve your finances as you age is to pay down high-interest debt. Debt is stressful and may cause you to struggle financially. Gather your debts and make a plan for how much you want to put toward the one with the highest interest rate each month. Instead of taking out your credit card all the time, try to save up money and pay for purchases using cash. The less debt you have hanging over your head, the more money it will free up to use as savings or to help you reach your financial goals. 

  1. Save & Invest Your Money

Improve your finances as you age by saving your money. Build an emergency fund that you can turn to and use if you are ever faced with unexpected costs. It will give you peace of mind and allow you to avoid going into more debt. Ideally, you should have three to six months of money saved up in case you lose your job and need to cover bills. You can also work on growing your wealth and setting yourself up for a bright future by investing your money. Take advantage of the stock market or put it in a 401(k) or IRA. No matter how you choose to invest it, make sure that you know what risks you’re willing to take based on what you may lose in the process. 

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Ways to Prepare for a Financial Disaster

August 23rd, 2025 Posted in Money Tips
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In today’s unstable economy where casual work is more prominent and people are less likely to have the jobs for life they once did, personal financial disaster is something that keeps many of us awake at night. Rather than worrying, all you can do is be as prepared as possible, so if this does happen to you, you are ready to respond in the best way that you can. So, let’s take a look at some of the top ways that you can prepare for personal financial disaster.

Ways to Prepare for a Financial Disaster - pile of coins image

Photo by Pixabay:

Make a Backup Plan

Start off by writing down all your earnings and outgoings so you have a clearer picture of exactly where your money is going every month. There is plenty of money-saving advice online, so if you are able to make some cuts and channel this money into a savings account or ISA, you will have a backup fund. You should also get some independent financial advice to put you in a stronger position. Think about the possible situations that could arise to cut off your means of income. Though losing your job is the most common, you may end up suffering from an injury that prevents you from working. Ultimately, the more prepared you are for financial disaster, the better you will be able to respond.

Work on Alternative Income Streams

The internet has provided plenty of opportunities to make money online, so making some extra cash on the side is much easier than it once was. There are plenty of opportunities to make money through the sharing economy, whether this is by renting out a room, a driveway or storage space, selling extra items you have lying around or offering your services to other people. There are plenty of online platforms for you to take part in some casual work like writing, design, translation, web development or proofreading, so it is worth exploring these options so you have a secondary means of generating income in place.

Widen Your Social Network

Obviously, you will be in a much better position if you have people who are able to provide you direct financial support if you are in dire straits. But the more people you know, the more likely it is that you will be able to find a new job opening should you lose what you have currently. Try to always network with people who are in your particular field so you are better able to access the kinds of positions that suit you.

Always Learn New Skills

The more skills that you are able to offer to employers, the easier it will be for you to find job openings. As we have already talked about, if you have certain technical or creative skills, then you can offer these online as a backup. If nothing else, learning new skills makes you more rounded as a human being, and you may even be able to teach others at some point down the line.

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More Than Meets the Eye: How Retail Displays Influence What You Buy

August 18th, 2025 Posted in Business
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Ever walked into a store and found yourself drawn to a specific product you didn’t even know you needed? It’s not a coincidence. Retailers are masters of a secret language, and their displays speak volumes to our subconscious minds. This isn’t just about putting things on a shelf; it’s a carefully crafted science known as the psychology of retail displays. Understanding this can help you, whether you’re a shopper trying to be more intentional with your spending or an entrepreneur looking to boost your sales.

More Than Meets the Eye: How Retail Displays Influence What You Buy - shop window display image

Photo credit Upsplash

The Power of the Human Eye 

Our brains are hardwired to process visual information quickly. Retail displays exploit this by using a few key principles. The first is the “rule of thirds,” a classic in photography and design. Think of a display area divided into a 3×3 grid. The most compelling products are placed at the intersection of these lines, where our eyes naturally fall. This is where retailers put their high-margin items or new arrivals. It’s about guiding your gaze, not just showing you products.

Another powerful visual technique is “eye-level is buy-level.” This simple phrase holds a lot of truth. Products placed at our direct eye-line are 70% more likely to be purchased than those on lower or higher shelves. This is why you’ll often see premium brands and popular items right at this sweet spot. The less-profitable or store-brand products are often relegated to the bottom shelves, where you have to physically bend down to see them.

Creating a Connection: The Human Touch 

While visual cues are crucial, the most effective displays go beyond just aesthetics. They tell a story and create an emotional connection. This is where elements like texture, lighting, and even sound come into play. A display of artisan breads might be set up to evoke a feeling of rustic charm, complete with warm, low lighting and a faint aroma of fresh baking. By creating an atmosphere, stores make the shopping experience about more than just a transaction.

We are also creatures of habit and familiarity. Displays that feature items grouped in relatable contexts, like a complete outfit or a dinner setting, help us visualise ourselves using or owning the product. It’s a form of aspiration and a subtle nudge towards a lifestyle we desire. Think of a minimalist-themed store that uses wicker baskets, lush greenery, and neutral tones to evoke a sense of calm and simplicity. The items feel like they belong together and naturally fit into a cohesive story.

The Art of Scarcity and Urgency 

Finally, retailers use psychology to create a sense of urgency. The “limited edition” or “last chance” signs aren’t just marketing fluff; they trigger our fear of missing out (FOMO). When we perceive something as scarce, its value increases in our minds. That single item left on a mannequin or a sign declaring “only five left!” can be a powerful motivator to make a quick purchase. It’s a subtle pressure, but it works.

Similarly, an organised, well-lit display feels clean and trustworthy. It reassures us that the products are of high quality. Conversely, a chaotic, messy display can make us feel overwhelmed and even suspicious of the merchandise. So, the next time you’re in a store and feel an impulse to buy, take a moment to look at the display. Is it speaking to your subconscious? Understanding this can give you more control over your shopping decisions and make you a savvier consumer.

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Attracting More Customers Without Paid Ads

July 30th, 2025 Posted in Business, Entrepreneurship
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Growing a business is tough. This is why so many people turn to social media to help grow their online presence and attract more customers. Paid ads used to be one of the most effective ways to boost traffic to your website, but are they still effective today? 

With the economy still experiencing some turbulence, businesses are needing to make cuts, with marketing budgets among the first things to be chopped. This means that marketers need to be spending their budgets more wisely, and looking at alternatives to ads to achieve results. With plenty of other tactics to attract new customers, here are some paid ad alternatives that will help you grow your business, without blowing your budget.

Attracting More Customers Without Paid Ads - woman posting on social media image

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

Make sure your website is optimised for search

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is still one of the most important strategies for any business that wants to be seen online. While previous SEO strategies were focused on keywords, things have shifted, with search engines favouring content that provides value to users. Adjusting your SEO and content strategies can help you create a website that truly helps people find what they’re looking for, answering questions and providing value in new and exciting ways. With the right strategy, SEO can be a free and simple way to improve your online visibility, attracting more customers without having to advertise.  

Focus on organic social media success

Social media ads may not be a part of your current marketing strategy, but organic content should be. Building an organic social media presence could help you achieve huge success online, building brand awareness and driving people to your website. Many social media strategies can help increase traffic, including:

  • Posting consistent content, while adding value.
  • Make your content authentic – people want to develop trust and familiarity with their brands, and some authenticity will go a long way. If you need some inspiration, check out brands with excellent social media strategies that can show you how it’s done. 
  • Create content like Reels/TikToks, stories, lives and Threads to help stay visible, while encouraging people to share your content.
  • Don’t be afraid to interact with your followers. Brands like Ryanair are really nailing this at the moment. 
  • Don’t worry about making polished content – it’s the quick trends and raw posts that are hitting the mark with followers right now.

While paid ads were always a safe alternative for brands unable to create viral, big-budget content, shifting social media habits mean even the simplest ideas can become a big hit. Put your resources into improving your content creation strategy and evaluate your results to help you enjoy continued success.

Bring value to your brand through content marketing

Customers are becoming more selective about where they shop. Money is tight, and people want to feel as though they’re getting more value from brands today. Content marketing can be an excellent way to speak to your audience and offer them something a little more. From creating a must-read blog to podcasts and video series, publishing some insightful content that helps educate or entertain your customers can go a long way. Not only does this give your customers a little extra, but it helps position your business as helpful and knowledgeable. 

Build trust with customer reviews

Customer reviews can be a powerful asset for businesses. This infographic from the Competition and Markets Authority shows just how much people spend after reading online reviews. From hotels and travel to the beauty industry, reviews can have a big impact on growth.  

Attracting More Customers Without Paid Ads - infographic online reviews image

People love to see word of mouth from others, so where possible, encourage your customers to leave reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and other review sites. Respond to comments and show your customers that you care about their experiences and how you can keep making improvements to your business.

Consider partnering with others

Partnerships are another great way to attract more customers. If you have some budget to spend, collaborations on content, as well as giveaways and events, could be much a much better use of your money than paid ads, especially if your business has a local focus. 

Similarly, working with influencers could also help you tap into new audiences, especially if you choose to work with microinfluencers in your local area. Focus on creating an influencer marketing strategy that can help you achieve your goals and build a brand that is recognised and trusted.

Don’t forget about email and newsletters

While most businesses focus their marketing efforts on social media, you shouldn’t dismiss the classics. Newsletters are still an incredibly effective way of boosting traffic and sales, especially amongst your existing customers. Creating effective newsletters can help you make an impact in people’s inboxes, and is an affordable tactic that can bring you some serious ROI. While some marketing trends come and go, email marketing seems to be the one that has real staying power.

Use digital PR to boost visibility 

Digital PR can help businesses boost their online presence, especially with new audiences. While there can be a cost associated with digital PR campaigns, DPR builds brand visibility, helping your business get featured in the media through expert insights and data. As a new way of leveraging PR, this approach could be far more reaching than a paid-ad campaign, helping to boost your credibility and ensuring your business doesn’t get lost amongst the noise of all of those other campaigns. 

Work with your customers 

Finally, use your customers to help promote your business. From affiliate programmes to refer-a-friend schemes, you can get your customers to help promote your business to friends, family and colleagues, while also rewarding them for their loyalty. It’s easy to focus your marketing efforts on new customers, but it’s just as important to work with your existing customers and encourage them to engage with you again and again.

The marketing landscape is constantly changing, and staying up to date can help put you ahead of your competition. While paid ads were once an easy win for businesses looking to make an impression online, it’s time to look at other ways you can attract more customers, without breaking the bank. Consider alternative marketing strategies that will bring ROI to your business, while providing more value for your customers too. 

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